18 November. Rebellion are to reprint The Last American by Wagner, Grant and McMahon, originally published by Epic back in 1990 and reprinted by Com.X in 2004. The new edition will be out in April 2017.

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BEAR ALLEY BOOKS

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Sunday, December 28, 2008

Paperback Fanatic #8

Although I spend more time on Bear Alley talking about old British comics, I've not lost my love for old British paperbacks. I do the occasional cover gallery to keep that side of my life afloat, although they take so darned long to put together that I don't produce that many.

Thankfully, there's also The Paperback Fanatic, Justin Marriott's superb fanzine, to keep the torch burning. Issue 8 (December 2008) has just appeared, filled to the brim with fine features and an interview with Terry Harknett as a centre-piece. There are articles on various New English Library horror novels, a look at Jim Sterenko's book covers, a feature on the men's adventure series SAS Malko by Gerard de Villiers and a look at 1970s paperback editions of Edgar Rice Burroughs, which was a real trip down memory lane for me as I had most of them. A lively letter's column wraps up the issue.

If any of this brings back memories, give the magazine a try. Its popularity has meant that most of the earlier issues are now sold out, although I spy at the Paperback Fanatic website that issue 7 is still available. This new issue was, I believe, to have been relaunched by the folks behind Crikey! with a new first issue (see the cover scan below). Nice clear layouts and good cover reproductions have been a feature of the magazine since its inception, and this issue is no different. It's a steal at £3.99.

BEAR ALLEY BOOKS

AVAILABLE NOW!Countdown to TV ActionClick here for details and payment options."The perfect compliment to my set of Countdown/TV Action" - Graham Bleathman."A wonderful trip down memory lane. Recommended" - Paul Simpson, Sci-Fi Bulletin"If you read Countdown as a child, you'll be fascinated by this account of its making ... indispensable." - John Freeman, Down the Tubes"The definitive history of the title" - Lew Stringer, Blimey!"I urge you to grab a copy and give Steve Holland a tip of the hat for the amount of hard work, research and love he's poured into making a book of information become an interesting story" - Barnaby Eaton-Jones, The Cult Den

OUT NOW!ArenaClick here for details and payment options"This book goes straight to the top of my large reading pile" - Graeme Neil Reid"With reality TV overload and the rise of the risque and the brutality of today’s society, this story still has a pertinent message for those of us who are willing to listen to it. In fact, I think the story is more relevant today than it was in 1979." - Colin Noble, Down the Tubes"The story is a fun read, but the star of the show is the art. Alcatena is a class act." - Hibernia Comics

Lion King of Picture Story PapersClick here to order"It's a great read in itself and has sent me back to the Lion comic to re-read some of my childhood favourites. The pictures are reproduced crystal clearly and even this old man can read the original art ... It's a gorgeous book and if we are snow-bound as the media has been saying for weeks, I have plenty to keep me amused this chilly January weekend!" - Norman Boyd.

Sexton Blake Annual 1941Click here to order"If you've been meaning to give Sexton Blake's adventures a try, this would be a great place to start. I've seen the actual annuals go on Ebay for three or four hundred bucks, so this is definitely a bargain too." - Singular Points.

Peter Jackson's London Is Stranger Than FictionClick here to order"The original books have been highly collectable for many years now, but finally they’ve been republished in a single volume from Bear Alley Books ... for the ridiculously reasonable price of £14.99. Do yourself a favour. " Christopher Fowler.